TTM Stats
- Sent: 7/27/2022 | Received: 8/4/2022 | 7 Days
- ’77 Topps, ’78 Topps (2), ’81 Topps (kept one card)
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
In an era when catchers were expected to be the defensive backbone of their teams, Glenn Borgmann carved out a respectable big-league career built on reliability, toughness, and a steady glove. While not a household name, Borgmann spent nearly a decade in the majors, primarily with the Minnesota Twins, offering consistency during a transitional period for the franchise.
Glenn Dennis Borgmann was born on May 25, 1950, in Paterson, New Jersey, and raised in nearby Hawthorne. A standout athlete, he excelled in baseball at Eastside High School and went on to play college ball at Miami Dade College and the University of South Alabama, a program known for producing top-tier baseball talent.
His success at South Alabama led the Minnesota Twins to select him in the first round (9th overall) of the secondary phase of the 1971 MLB Draft, a clear indication that the club saw long-term potential in the young catcher.
Borgmann made his MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins on July 1, 1972. Two seasons later, he had earned the starting catcher role. From 1974 through 1975, he was the Twins’ primary backstop, known more for his defensive work and ability to handle a pitching staff than his offensive production.
In 1974, he had his most productive season at the plate, appearing in 128 games and posting a .252 batting average with three home runs and 45 RBIs. While his bat wasn’t flashy, his durability and command behind the plate were appreciated by teammates and coaches alike. He was a calming influence for young pitchers and served as a dependable game-caller.
As the Twins transitioned to younger catchers later in the decade, Borgmann saw his playing time decline. After the 1979 season, he signed with the Chicago White Sox, appearing in 32 games in 1979 as a backup. That season would mark the final year of his major league career.
Over nine MLB seasons, Borgmann played in 474 games, collected 296 hits, batted .229, and drove in 151 runs. While his career numbers may not jump off the page, he provided value in ways that don’t always appear in the box score: steady defense, durable catching, and quiet leadership.
Following his playing days, Borgmann remained largely out of the public baseball spotlight, choosing a private life away from the demands of professional sports. While some of his peers went into coaching or broadcasting, Borgmann was known to enjoy family life and quieter pursuits.
He occasionally appeared at Twins alumni events and was remembered fondly by fans who followed the team through the 1970s. His time in the majors came during a transitional era for Minnesota, but his effort and professionalism were constants during a time of change.
Glenn Borgmann may not have received much national attention, but he represented the kind of player every team needs, one who does the hard, thankless work and keeps the game running smoothly. Catchers often serve as unsung heroes, managing pitching staffs, preventing runs, and anchoring the defense. In that role, Borgmann excelled.
He remains a part of Twins history, a symbol of consistency behind the plate during a formative time for the franchise. In a game that values stars but relies on stability, Glenn Borgmann’s quiet contributions left a lasting impact.
The Score on Glenn Borgmann – 6.5
Glenn has a good signature, it’s probably could fill up a bit more of the card though. He uses a good sized marker so even though I wouldn’t say it’s small, that helps it take up some space. It also helps to cut through the images so you can see it well. I think my favorite of this return is the 1978 Topps card.
Thanks Mr. Borgmann! I’m giving this return a 6.5 overall.
This isn’t my first return from him. To see the first return, check out my post from August 2020.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.